CATARACT – PREDISPOSES TO CATARACT
Diabetes predisposes a person to the earlier development of cataract. In most cases, the opacity is present in both eyes although one may be more advanced than the other.
To the sufferer, it seems as if he is looking through glass which is gradually frosting. Even when fully developed, light can always be perceived and shadowy movements may be seen.
The opacity is more marked in the middle of the lens so that vision is often better in dim light when the pupil is dilated and vision is perceived through the edges of the lens.
In bright light, the pupil contracts and light entering the eye must pass through the centre of the lens where the opacity is more marked and so vision is not as clear.
Because the cataract progresses so slowly, treatment may not be necessary for years. Operation is the only effective treatment. Vitamins or drops are of no use. At operation, the lens and sometimes its capsule are removed.
The operation may be done under local or general anaesthetic. After this glasses are necessary to focus the light rays on the retina.
A newer operation is the insertion of an artificial lens following removal of the opaque natural one. This removes the need for thick glasses which may distort vision.
The timing of the operation may depend on how far the vision has deteriorated, the level of vision in the other eye and how important clear vision is to the lifestyle of the person.
The use of contact lenses after the removal of cataracts in association with glasses may avoid the need for very thick glasses and improve vision.
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